Governments worldwide control the export of goods for various reasons, depending on the nature and destinations of the proposed exports. The export of strategic goods and technologies are controlled for various reasons including:

concerns about a country’s internal repression of its citizens, regional instability and other human rights violations

concerns about the development of weapons of mass destruction

foreign policy and international treaty commitments, such as the imposition of EU or UN trade sanctions or arms embargoes

concerns for the national and collective security of the UK and its allies

An arms embargo is in force on Lebanon.

Export control updates

If you intend to export to the Lebanon, you should keep yourself well informed of the current situation through the media and other information channels.

To keep informed of latest updates about arms embargoes and changes to strategic export control legislation, please subscribe to the Export Control Organisation’s Notices to Exporters.

Extent of the arms embargo on Lebanon

An arms embargo is a ban on the export of ‘arms and related material’ - eg military ammunition, weapons and goods - imposed by either the UN, the EU, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, or at a UK national level.

The UK generally interprets an arms embargo as covering all goods and items on the UK Military List (which forms part of the UK Strategic Export Control Lists), unless stated otherwise.

Some goods which are not on the UK Military List might also need an export licence. Read the guide on Military End Use Control.

Applying for an export licence to Lebanon

Exporters can apply for an export licence for their goods. All applications will be considered by the government on a case-by-case basis in line with the provisions of the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. Read the guide on assessment of export licence applications: criteria and policy.

For details on different export licences available see the guide on licences: export, trade control and transhipment.

If you are unsure if your goods are controlled, you should read the guide about strategic exports: when to request an export licence.

Lebanon arms embargo key legislation

The arms embargo on Lebanon has been imposed by UN and EU laws, and adopted in UK law.

UN Security Council Resolutions

The Security Council adopted UN Resolution 1701 on 11 August 2006. This imposed an arms embargo on all arms transfers not authorised by the Government of Lebanon or the UN peacekeeping force. The embargo also prohibits any technical training or assistance. This embargo is still in force. This resolution has subsequently been extended, amended and modified.